YEO Programs

Most of the YEO members surveyed stated that they found that their biggest challenge once in office was developing appropriate connections to help them become effective leaders. By connecting with their peers and with progressive policy organizations, members of the YEO Network will expand their range of innovative solutions and become more confident putting forth their ideas. To accomplish this, the YEO Network provides the following programs:

YEO National Conferences

Last year the Young Elected Officials Network convened 120 young electeds in Washington, D.C. from March 2-4. The YEO National convening is an opportunity for YEOs to network and share best practices while they participate in two days of issue and skills trainings. The Convening highlights issues of YEO interests including government transparency and ethics, affordable housing, energy planning, economic justice, public education, healthcare, paid sick leave, immigration, election reform and much more.

Skills-Building Training

YEOs expressed a significant need for continued training on a wide range of professional and personal issues. We have workshops and training modules included in conferences, summits, and tele-conferences. These workshops will help YEOs develop their skills in messaging, media and communications, coalition building, artful debate and more.

• Professional Development workshops will provide YEOs with the skills they need to be effective as policy makers and to eventually take on higher elected positions.
• Personal Development workshops will help YEOs build various skill sets and will work to address some of the unique challenges they face.

Speakers Bureau

The YEO Network will support a YEO Speakers Bureau to provide opportunities for YEOs to share their messages with a wide range of audiences. The Speakers Bureau will serve to inspire progressives around the country about the promise and hope that young elected officials offer.

Policy Academies

Each Policy Academy is designed to help YEOs develop and refine their political philosophy and build skills that will help them effectively address important public policy issues. The Academies bring together policy makers, community practitioners and policy resources in a compelling dialogue that will lead to real action.

Front Line Leaders Academy (FLLA)

This eight month intensive program aims to equip young leaders with the knowledge, skills and tools they’ll need to participate in the political process at all levels, either as a candidate, campaign professional or community leader. Young leaders selected for the program will participate in a series of workshops and trainings led by YEOs and other political industry experts. For more on FLLA, click here.

Internship Program

YEOs have an opportunity to receive a student intern through the Young People For fellowship program to aid them in their respective offices. In utilizing the internship program, student fellows learn from a young elected official, while elected officials will receive additional resources and assistance in their elective offices. The internship program will also enable young elected officials to train and engage the next generation of young elected leaders and activists through first hand experience.

For more information on any of the programs or resources of the YEO Network, please email our Programs Associate at dseymour@pfaw.org.

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